Reimann_J

Our experiences have taught us that odds are we're better off on a two top. For example, during one prior cruise, we were seated at a table of eight, and the family of four at the table never showed and never called to say they were not coming. The staff refused to take our orders until they waited almost a half hour for this family that never came.

 

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We also prefer a 2-top or 4 top. We've had several bad experiences where we want to get done with dinner to go and do other things immediately after, and had to wait over 40 minutes before the wait staff would take our order (when seated at a large table). Not that we haven't met great and/or interesting people sitting at a large table, but our time is precious to us - we hate it when people show up late.

NCL Jewel leaves Vancouver Oct 3 to Sydney. They do have a cruise to Alaska the week before.

NCL, in its latest bid to confuse and tick off their clients, has come up with a No Frills price. What does that mean? It means that you can get a room relatively cheap from your travel agent, but you CANNOT get any of the perks included (ultimate beverage package, dining package, shore excursion credit, internet package), even though the terms and conditions of the perks may state otherwise. No frills, is NO FRILLS! To add insult to injury (for those of us who love to find an all-inclusive bargain), NCL will increase their ultimate beverage package [uBP] price to $79.00 per day, per person. Who cares? You should! Well, if you look at the difference between the "no frills" pricing and (for instance) the UBP included pricing, you will see a significant difference (you are paying a large part of the UBP in that price). Don't forget that you now have to pay the 18% gratuities on the UBP and ultimate dining package on the new higher price. To add more insult, if you pick the shore excursion credit (of $50 per port - up to 4 ports) and the internet package, you are paying a much higher rate than what those packages would be worth. Also, look for more "ala carte" pricing throughout NCL. As the new CEO has tested the waters (so to speak) on the Escape, and doesn't care if his customers complain, he will, no doubt, start this practice on all the ships. Where will it end? I guess when the ships are empty. Do I love the NCL ships? Absolutely! The Escape was a "happy haven" for my husband who loved the District Brewhouse. The ship's design is wonderful, as is the entertainment and the staff is superb. However, we have noticed that the ships seemed to be understaffed lately, making us wonder what the heck is going on with the staff (they seem to be as unhappy with the new NCL as we customers are). Yes, I am very disgruntled, disgusted and unhappy with the way the new "NCL" is being handled - and yes I am an avid cruiser. Not too sure how long I can remain faithful to this new uncaring company, after our 73 planned cruising days are completed this year. :eek: